Online Learning: Not Just For Viruses Anymore

Let’s be real for a minute, we live in a technology-driven world. And in this new tech-centered society, online learning has emerged as a revolutionary force in education. No longer just a tool to use in a lockdown (Ugh! Don’t get me started y’all) or a supplemental resource for brick-and-mortar classrooms, online learning is now a comprehensive, standalone educational approach. From K-12 and college-age students to adults seeking career advancement, online education offers limitless opportunities for personal and professional growth. It’s time for educators to acquire the skills necessary to create effective online curricula and deliver engaging lessons to students worldwide.

Online Learning Can Be Life-Changing

Online learning has the potential to be a life-changing tool for millions of students, breaking down geographical barriers and offering flexible learning opportunities. If you think of it in those terms, we are at a point in time where we (teachers/educators) can have an AMAZING IMPACT on students from all walks of life…and isn’t that why we got into education in the first place? I believe, going forward, online learning will transform lives because of its:

1. Accessibility: Students from remote areas or underprivileged backgrounds can access quality education without relocating.
2. Flexibility: Learners can study at their own pace and schedule, which is particularly beneficial for those balancing education with work or family commitments.
3. Diverse Learning Resources: Online platforms offer a wide variety of courses and learning materials, allowing students to explore subjects they are passionate about or need for career advancement.
4. Skill Development: From digital literacy to specialized professional skills, online learning equips students with the tools needed for the modern job market.
5. Personalized Learning: Adaptive learning technologies can tailor educational experiences to individual student needs, improving engagement and retention.

Out With The old Way Of Thinking About Online Learning

It’s time to stop thinking of online learning in terms of a resource for brick-and-mortar classrooms…those days are gone and online learning has gone way beyond the simple idea of “a tool for learning”. Online learning should be seen as a total learning concept. A virtual place where students of all ages and all walks of life can acquire the knowledge the need to be fully functioning and productive members of society. Online learning should be embraced as a comprehensive educational approach because of its:

1. Complete Curriculum Offerings: Online learning platforms now provide full curricula, enabling students to complete their entire educational journey online. From elementary education to advanced degrees and professional certifications, the scope is vast and diverse.
2. Personalized Learning Paths: Online learning allows for highly personalized education, adapting to the pace and style of each learner. This can result in a more effective and engaging learning experience.
3. Global Accessibility: Online education breaks down geographical barriers, offering students from all corners of the world access to the same high-quality education. This democratizes learning opportunities and promotes global inclusivity.
4. Lifelong Learning: Online education supports continuous learning, allowing individuals to acquire new knowledge and skills throughout their lives. This is crucial in today’s ever-changing job market where lifelong learning is essential for career success.
5. Flexibility and Convenience: Online learning provides unparalleled flexibility, enabling students to learn anytime and anywhere. This is particularly beneficial for working adults, parents, and those with other commitments.
6. Innovative Teaching Methods: Online platforms can integrate multimedia tools, interactive content, and real-time feedback, making learning more dynamic and engaging compared to traditional methods.
7. Cost-Effective Education: Often, online education is more affordable than traditional classroom learning, reducing the financial burden on students and making education more accessible.
8. Scalability: Online learning can scale to accommodate a large number of students without the physical limitations of classrooms, making it easier to expand educational offerings.

This Ain’t Your Grandchild’s Learning Method

Online learning isn’t just for K-12 and college-age students. It can also benefit adults by offering opportunities for personal and professional growth. People from all areas of the world can learn new skills to advance their position within a company or they can pivot (my favorite word) completely and learn an entirely new career that will not only financially benefit them personally, but positively impact their family. Here are just a few ways online learning can benefit adults:

1. Career Advancement: Adults can gain new skills and certifications to advance in their current careers or pivot to new fields. Online courses often offer industry-recognized credentials that enhance employability.
2. Lifelong Learning: Learning doesn’t stop at graduation. Adults can continue to grow intellectually and professionally, staying up-to-date with industry trends and innovations.
3. Convenience: Balancing work, family, and education can be challenging. Online learning provides the flexibility to study at times that fit their busy schedules.
4. Cost-Effective: Online courses can be more affordable than traditional education, reducing financial barriers and making it easier for adults to invest in their education.
5. A Multitude of Offerings: From coding bootcamps to business management courses, there is a vast array of subjects available online. Adults can explore new interests and passions, leading to more fulfilling career paths.
6. Networking Opportunities: Many online courses offer forums and community groups where learners can connect with peers, industry experts, and mentors, expanding their professional networks.

The Role of Educators in Online Learning

For online learning to reach its full potential, educators must be equipped (and be willing to be equipped) with the skills to create and teach effective online curricula. Whiteboards (chalkboards for my perps), copy machines, and well thought out bulletin board displays won’t cut it online. We are moving from checkers to 3-D chess. We need to pivot our thinking. Our students aren’t coming to us…essentially we’re going to them. We have to figure out how to take the strategies behind the whiteboard, copy machines, and bulletin boards and offer them via a virtual setting. I didn’t say it would be easy…and I didn’t say it wouldn’t take some getting used to, but in the end, the benefit it will have for the students will be life changing. So, how can we educators equip ourselves for teaching online? Glad you asked. Going forward we need to focus on building our:

1. Curriculum Development Skills: We need to learn how to design comprehensive online courses. This includes understanding the principles of instructional design, creating engaging multimedia content, and developing assessments that measure student learning effectively.
2. Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with online learning platforms and tools is essential. We need to be comfortable using learning management systems (LMS), video conferencing software, and other digital tools that facilitate online teaching.
3. Interactive Teaching Methods: Teaching online requires different strategies compared to traditional classrooms. We need to learn how to engage students through interactive lessons, discussions, and collaborative projects.
4. Continuous Professional Development: The field of online education is continually evolving. To be honest, I don’t know if any other specialized field changes as much as education does from year to year. We need to commit to ongoing professional development to stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and best practices in online teaching.
5. Global Teaching Skills: Teaching students from all corners of the world requires not only a strong understanding of various cultural backgrounds, but an understanding of different learning styles as well. We need to be prepared to adapt our teaching methods to meet the needs of a global audience.

Bottom Line Y’all…

Online learning has the potential to be a life-changing tool for millions of students, from K-12 to adults seeking new career opportunities. It’s time to stop thinking of online education as merely a supplement to traditional classrooms and start seeing it as a comprehensive educational approach. As educators , we play a crucial role in this transformation. By acquiring the skills to create and teach effective online curricula, we can empower students around the world to achieve their educational goals.

Embracing online learning as a total learning concept not only enhances accessibility and flexibility but also fosters lifelong learning and global inclusivity. As we move forward, the integration of online education will undoubtedly continue to reshape the landscape of learning, providing diverse and innovative opportunities for students everywhere. As my grandad always said, “Don’t get caught watching the paint dry on the fence! Grab a paintbrush and get to work!” In other words…the future of education is going to be colorful…so grab a paintbrush and join in!